Denver Nuggets Face Elimination After Late Collapse in Game 5 Against Oklahoma City Thunder
The Denver Nuggets’ chances of advancing in the 2025 NBA Playoffs have taken a hit after they suffered a 112-105 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5. According to The Athletic, the Nuggets’ interim coach, David Adelman, made a crucial decision to keep superstar Nikola Jokić on the floor for the entire second half, despite concerns about his fatigue.
In an interview with The Athletic, Adelman took responsibility for the decision, stating, "If fatigue was a factor, it’s on me." Jokić played 44 minutes, scoring 44 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and dishing out five assists. However, his tired legs were evident in the fourth quarter, as the Nuggets struggled to defend against the Thunder’s younger and fresher lineup.
The Nuggets held an 86-78 lead heading into the final 12 minutes, but Oklahoma City outscored them 34-19 in the fourth quarter, thanks in part to the contributions of Lu Dort, who made a trio of contested 3-pointers. As The Athletic notes, the Thunder’s depth has been a key factor in the series, with role players like Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Cason Wallace making significant contributions.
The loss puts the Nuggets on the brink of elimination, with the series now 3-2 in favor of the Thunder. Denver will need to win Game 6 on Thursday to stay alive, and then potentially face a deciding Game 7 on the road. As point guard Jamal Murray told The Athletic, "I play better when I’m tired." However, the evidence of fatigue was clear in the fourth quarter, as the Nuggets struggled to come up with defensive stops and missed several wide-open 3-point looks.
The Nuggets have been playing on short rest for much of the postseason, having needed seven games to beat the LA Clippers in the first round and then turning around quickly to face the Thunder in the second round. As The Athletic reports, the team has done a good job of canceling out the star power of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, but has struggled with the Thunder’s depth.
Despite the setback, Jokić remains optimistic about the Nuggets’ chances, telling The Athletic, "I think we have a chance in Game 6. We will show up and we will play our best." The Nuggets will need to regroup and find a way to overcome their fatigue and the Thunder’s depth if they hope to stay alive in the playoffs.
In related news, teams that win Game 5 typically go on to win the series. The Nuggets will look to prove this statistic wrong and force a deciding Game 7. With two days’ rest between Games 6 and 7, Denver may be able to recharge and make a final push to extend the series. However, as The Athletic notes, the Thunder’s momentum and depth make them a formidable opponent, and the Nuggets will need to be at their best to stay alive.
